Photo by Jeremy Charles/Jamie Alsabrook Photography
This week the Song of the Day spotlights SXSW 2015 artists. Check back every day for a free download and show information.
What an empty grain silo did for My Morning Jacket’s early records, an abandoned cattle auction house does for Native Lights’ self-titled album. The Tulsa, Oklahoma band trekked to nearby Hominy and set up shop in the feeder room, using the facility’s strange acoustics to capture the album’s dark atmosphere. “It was actually warmer outside than it was inside,” says bassist Johnathan Ford, so Native Lights opted to record as quickly as possible.
The album sat on the shelf for a few years while Ford spent time with his band Unwed Sailor. Fittingly enough, producer Kevin Ratterman–known for his work with My Morning Jacket–put the finishing touches on the record earlier this year, and now Native Lights brings it to SXSW 2015. “Black Wall Street” kicks off Native Lights with a bang, rumbling out of the gate thanks to Ford’s inventive bass playing. Download “Black Wall Street” below and catch Native Lights at SXSW 2015.
–Art Levy
Wednesday, March 18: The Palm Door, 3 p.m. (free)
